Saturday, June 5, 2010

ONSTAGE (Writer's Island prompt)

UNTIL YOU’VE BEEN ONSTAGE

Blistering hot spotlight captures you setting boundaries you cannot cross, even with your eyesJust beyond, people seated in rows shift impatiently waiting to hear if you’re worth their time and their ticket

Below, the stage surface revealsevery heel print of every actor whose feet touched it(since its last cleaning)Above, an aurora borealis of gelled hues dancing on the black ceiling

You step up to the invisible lineIt’s your moment to show them what you’re made ofUntil you’ve been onstageYou can’t understand the peril, the rush, the beautythe bliss(c) 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil

Thanks for the lovely comments. I'm going to read this one aloud and submit to virtualpoetryreading.com.

Diane, you hit it right on the sweet spot. The difference is in remembering to breathe deeply. If you don't have your breath, your diaphragm will contribute to your choking. But the deep breath expands that muscle; the extra oxygen you take in puts your brain into gear.

My mama was a jazz singer as well and she used to say, "If you're not nervous before performing, don't get on the stage. You'll only bore people!"

Yes. Yes! You paint the scene so well here, Amy. I especially love the footprints beneath the feet - walking where others have been before... sometimes this is intimidating, sometimes kind of reassuring! You are a sister of the stage and spotlight, wise to all the gift and danger they offer. Beautiful.